American Goulash Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
413 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
American Goulash Recipe
Description
This American Goulash starts with sautéed diced onions and green bell peppers, followed by browning ground beef. Garlic and a blend of Italian seasonings, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes are added to infuse the dish with aromatic spices. Fire roasted tomatoes and beef broth join the pot along with Worcestershire sauce and a bay leaf to deepen the flavor. The sauce simmers to develop a rich base.
Uncooked elbow macaroni is then stirred in and simmered uncovered until tender, allowing the noodles to absorb the beefy tomato sauce. Adding shredded cheddar cheese near the end creates a creamy, cheesy finish that binds the dish together. The texture balances tender pasta with ground beef chunks and softened vegetables.
This recipe serves as a filling main course that can be enjoyed on its own or with a simple side such as a green salad or steamed vegetables. It’s a classic comfort food representing a straightforward approach to a beef and pasta casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced, medium
- 1 green bell pepper diced (use 2-3 jalapeno peppers for a spicier version, large
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend or use 2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon rosemary, and 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon paprika I use hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spicy – use more as desired
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 4 ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes or use canned diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- hot sauce to taste (optional, for spicy)
- 2 cups macaroni noodles uncooked (elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (or more to taste. Optional - you can use other melty cheeses if preferred)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Add the onion and peppers and cook 3-4 minutes to soften.
- Add the ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 minutes, until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add the garlic, Italian seasonings, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using) and salt and pepper to taste. Cook 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices bloom.
- Add the roasted tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Also add optional hot sauce, if using. Stir to combine.
- Cover and simmer 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Stir in the macaroni noodles and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes, or until the noodles are softened to your liking.
- For a cheesy version, stir in cheese and cook until nicely melted through, 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 413 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 413kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 548mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 474mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 729IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 161mg | 16% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.